It's All About the $Money, Honey!
223 episodes - English - Latest episode: 26 days ago - ★★★★ - 3 ratingsIt's the show where fun meets finance. Join The Financial Diva, Victoria Woods, and the King of Finance, Damon King, each week for tips on how to Rock Your Retirement!
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Episode 116: 5 Ways To Protect Yourself From A Recession
February 13, 2023 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThe probability that the US economy enters a recession sometime in 2023 is growing. Whether it does or not, you should take steps to shield yourself and your money. In this episode, we share with why we believe a recession is on the horizon, what could trigger it, and how you can protect yourself.
Episode 110: When Should You Claim Social Security?
February 10, 2023 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBFor many retirement decisions, if you make a mistake or feel like you should have chosen something different, there are often do-overs. Not so with Social Security. Once you make a Social Security decision, that's usually all you get. So choosing when to claim Social Security is one of the most important retirement decisions you will make. In this episode, we share some of the key factors you should consider when choosing to turn on your Social Security benefit.
Episode 109: Asking The Right Retirement Questions
February 10, 2023 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBEveryone is looking for the right answers to their biggest financial questions. The problem is, however, that most people are not asking the right questions. In this episode, we share common questions we receive and provide alternatives for better questions you should be asking.
Episode 108: Key Year End Tax Deadlines
February 10, 2023 00:00 - 30 minutes - 20.6 MBThe end of the year is quickly approaching which means you are running out of time to take advantage of tax saving moves for the current tax year. In this episode, we share some of the key tax deadlines you should be aware of and how to use them to your benfit.
Episode 115: 5 Ways To Use Higher Interest Rates To Your Advantage
February 10, 2023 00:00 - 30 minutes - 20.6 MBThroughout much of 2022 and into 2023, The Federal Reserve raised interest rates to fight back against persistently high inflation as a result of the COVID pandemic. This had the impact of sending the stock market into freefall and made applying for credit much more expensive. However, it's not all doom and gloom. There are ways to use higher interest rates to your advantage. In this episode, we share 5 simple ways you can do just that.
Episode 114: 5 Strategies For Lowering Your Taxes This Year
February 10, 2023 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBIn a recent survey conducted by a team of scientists, it was determined, in a shocking turn of events, that 0% of Americans enjoy paying taxes. However, you can't just NOT pay your taxes. That's called Tax Evasion, which is illegal. There is no law, however, against Tax Avoidance or Tax Reduction. In this episode, we share 5 simple strategies you can use to lower your tax bill this year.
Episode 113: 5 Things For Your Financial To Do List This Year
February 10, 2023 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThe start of a new year is a great time to think about the key financial decisions you should make over the next 12 months. The problem is that there are often WAY too many goals on most people's lists. In this episode, we keep things simple by sharing 5 things you should have on your financial to-do list by the end of the year.
Episode 112: How To Handle An Inherited IRA
February 10, 2023 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBAt some point in your life, you will likely inherit money from someone. When you do, there is a better than average chance that some of that money will come in the form of an Inherited IRA. In this episode, we share the basics of Inherited IRAs, how they work, and some of the special rules, many of which have recently changed, that you should know.
Episode 111: Retirement Rule Changes For 2023
February 10, 2023 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThe last few years have seen massive law changes impacting retirement and your money. As we move into 2023, Congress is at it again. Social Security and Medicare will see significant changes. Retirement plan contribution amounts are increasing. The massive SECURE Act 2.0 will once again change how you save for retirement. In this episode, we share all the key changes coming to your money in 2023 and beyond.
Episode 107: Should Cryptocurrency Be In Your Portfolio?
February 03, 2023 00:00 - 30 minutes - 20.6 MBChoosing the right assets for your portfolio has never been particularly easy. Today, it's even harder with the arrival of shiny alternatives like cryptocurrency. You've doubtless heard about cryptos, like Bitcoin. However, should you consider it for your portfolio and, if so, how much. In this episode, we share the pros and cons of investing in cryptocurrency and other alternative assets.
Episode 102: 6 Questions To Ask Your Financial Advisor
February 03, 2023 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBOne of the most difficult financial decisions you'll ever make is choosing an advisor you can trust to act in your best interests. You can improve your chances of success, however by knowing the right questions to ask. In this episode, we share 6 key questions to ask any advisor you are considering hiring.
Episode 106: How To Manage Cash Flow In Retirement
February 03, 2023 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBWhen you're working, you know exactly how and when you will get paid. Your employer lets you know. Once you retire, you now have to decide when, how much, and from where money will show up in your bank account. For many people, making those decisions can be very overwhelming. In this episode, we share how to make the task of using your investments for income so simple.
Episode 105: When Should You Claim Social Security?
February 03, 2023 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBMost Americans will someday be eligible to claim Social Security benefits, so it's not so much a question of IF you will have Social Security. The real question is WHEN should you claim it? As with most big financial questions, it depends. In this episode, we share some of the factors you should consider when deciding whether to claim early or delay benefits.
Episode 104: Medicare Mistakes That Could Cost You
February 03, 2023 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBOf all the decisions you will make in planning your retirement, choosing the right Medicare option is among one of the more difficult. There seem to be so many options and a labyrinth of rules. In this episode, we uncover some of the big Medicare mistakes you need to avoid so you don't end up paying more.
Episode 103: Pay Less Tax On Your Investments
February 03, 2023 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBYou know that if you earn income from your investments, chances are you will pay tax. If you can't avoid paying taxes, you may still be able to minimize them by knowing which types of income enjoy lower tax rates. In this episode, we share some of the tax-advantaged assets and income streams you should consider to lower your tax bill in retirement.
Episode 101: How Interest Rate Increases Impact Your Money
September 26, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThe Federal Reserve continues its plan to kill off-the-charts inflation by raising the Federal Funds Rate. As the calendar flips to 2023, it's likely going to happen a few more times, increasing the odds that our economy will slip into recession. In this episode, we share how rate increases will impact your money in both good and bad ways. Also, why are more people looking for a financial advisor?
Episode 99: Wealth Management Perspectives From A CEO
September 20, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThe options you have in choosing a financial advisor are overwhelming. It helps to know the specialties of the advisor you are looking to hire. It also matters if your future advisor has any conflicts of interest. In this episode, we welcome special guest Natalie Wolfsen, CEO of AssetMark, an nearly $90 billion wealth management firm. She shares her insights on what you should look for in a financial advisor and the current state of the economy and market.
Episode 100: How To Choose Dividend Stocks
September 20, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThrough Labor Day of 2022, dividend stocks far outperformed growth. There are a variety of reasons why. So, the most obvious question is "How do I choose which dividend stocks to buy?" In this episode, we share the key factors you should consider when building a dividend portfolio.
Episode 98: 6 Investment Mistakes Millionaires Avoid
September 06, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBMillionaires are made not just because of what they do, but also what they don't do. One thing they do better than most investors is avoid mistakes when putting their money to work. We explore 6 investing mistakes millionaires avoid. Plus, how will the new Inflation Reduction Act increase your odds of getting audited by the IRS?
Episode 97: Dealing With A Large Tax Bill
August 30, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBWhen you're a Millionaire, dealing with large tax bills is an occupational hazard. On one hand, a large tax bill means you earned a lot of income, which is good. On the other hand, you have to find a way to pay that bill. In this episode, we share how your financial advisor should be helping you decide the best strategy for paying Uncle Sam. It's not as simple as it might sound. Later, we answer a question about when is the best time to apply for Social Security.
Episode 96: Should You Consider A Roth Conversion?
August 30, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThe idea of having tax-free income in retirement might seem like a fantasy, however, it it possible to do with Roth IRAs. Now could be a great time to consider converting your pre-tax Traditional IRAs into tax-free Roths. However, the window is closing to take advantage of this unique opportunity. In this episode, we share why considering a Roth conversion now might be in your best interests.
Episode 95: Life After Your 401(k)
August 16, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBAbout 60 million Americans invest in their employers' 401(k) plans. The habit of setting aside a portion of your salary every month for retirement is a good one. What's not so good is not adjusting your investment strategy as you move from accumulation while working to preservation and distribution when retired. In this episode, we share how your 401(k) should change as you get closer to retirement.
Episode 94: Preparing For A Recession?
August 04, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBWith global markets in turmoil during the first half of 2022, fears of an economic recession are growing. Unsurprisingly, concern over how to prepare for and protect against an economic downturn has also grown. In this episode, we share simple tips for how to prepare for a recession now and in the future. Plus, we share how to roll over an old 401(k) from a previous employer.
Episode 93: How To Handle Renewing Annuities
July 25, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBIf you own a fixed or indexed annuity, you will eventually need to make a decision when it comes up for renewal. Should you keep it where it is or find another opportunity that could be better? In this episode, we share the key factors to consider when making that decision including insurance company ratings, bonuses, interest rates, and ability to access your money.
Episode 92: How To Prepare For Retirement
July 18, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBThinking about retiring can be fun, exciting, and liberating. Actually retiring can be terrifying, overwhelming, and complicated. Planning well in advance is key. The more time you give yourself to prepare the better. In this episode, we discuss some of the steps you should take years before retiring so there are few surprises. Later, we share what it means when a financial advisor is a fiduciary and why that's important to you.
Episode 91: Putting Your Cash To Work
July 05, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBIn the wake of the COVID pandemic and extreme stock market volatility, a lot of investors have a ton of cash sitting on the sidelines. As interest rates creep up, safer options like CDs and fixed annuities are looking more attractive. In this episode, we discuss how to decide the best place to stash your cash. Also, should you be more aggressive when the market is down? Is the housing bubble about to burst?
Episode 90: Protecting Your Money From The Market
June 27, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBIf you have any money invested in the stock market right now, you've likely taken some losses, no matter how conservative you may be. You will eventually get to a point where you can no longer take the roller coaster ride. In this episode, we answer a listener question about how to protect money from any loss. Later, we discuss the rules around receiving a Social Security survivor benefit and how you can download one of our best Social Security guides.
Episode 89: How To Handle An Inherited IRA
June 15, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBIt's very likely that you will inherit an IRA or other tax deferred account from someone at some point in your life. When you do, you'll discover there are a lot of rules to consider when choosing how to take the money. In this episode, we provide answers for one listener that is dealing with that exact issue. Plus, what should be in your business plan when you decide to start your own company?
Episode 88: How To Stay Focused On Your Goals
June 13, 2022 00:00 - 13 minutes - 20.6 MBThe first half of 2022 has seen the most volatile market since the 2008 financial crisis. It seems there is new bad news screaming in your face every day. That makes it really tough to stay focused on your long-term goals. How do you tune out the noise? In this episode, we share some of the ways we are helping our Clients keep their cool. Plus, should you consider a Roth IRA conversion and what steps should you take in the last few years of working to prepare for retirement?
Episode 87: Recovering From Loss
May 31, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBOne of the unfortunate side effects of living is that you will eventually experience loss. Losing a parent, spouse, or other loved one is one of the most emotionally challenging events you'll ever face. It will also be one of the most financially challenging. Dealing with life insurance companies. Closing old accounts and opening new ones. Handling inheritances. Paying final medical bills. It can all be very overwhelming. In this episode, we discuss the Survivor's Checklist and shar...
Episode 86: Seeking Safety From The Market
May 23, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBVolatility comes with investing in the market. That's just the price you pay to benefit from the potential for larger gains. Over long periods of time, the market grows over 90 percent of the time. However, what if you don't have as much time to recover from a major market pullback? What options do you have to build safety into your portfolio and retirement income plan? In this episode, we share how to get total protection and how to use conservative investments to your advantage. ...
Episode 85: Inflation Busting Strategies
May 16, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThe year 2022 will be remembered as the year that life just cost more to live. Inflation unlike we have seen in decades is pinching pocketbooks and roiling the stock market. However, there are still ways to offset the impact of skyrocketing prices. In this episode, we share some inflation-busting strategies you can consider for your money.
Episode 84: Tax Day Is Every Day
April 25, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBWe just finished celebrating Tax Day in the U.S. You're probably very happy it's all over. If only that were true. Taxes don't end April 15 each year. They impact you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Taxes run through almost every financial decision you make, sometimes where you east expect them. Managing your tax liability can be tricky if you don't know what you're doing or what to expect. In this episode, we share some sticky tax situations you might face someday a...
Episode 83: Fulfilling Your Expectations, Needs, and Desires
April 18, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBIt just sort of happens. You keep saving for years, decades even, and suddenly you've got a lot of money. Now, you've got needs and desires you never dreamed of before. You decide to hire a financial advisor for the first time. What expectations should you have? What questions should you ask? In this episode, we share some of the unique expectations, needs, and desires you'll want your advisor to meet in as you near and enter retirement.
Episode 82: Become Master Of Taxes
April 14, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBAs another Tax Day approaches in the United States, your thoughts are probably on how much you hate Tax Day. It's understandable. Approximately 100% of Americans do not enjoy paying income taxes. We cannot avoid paying ALL taxes, so let's stop complaining about it and start looking for ways to pay less. Believe it or not, there are ways. You just have to know where to look. In this episode, we share some simple strategies we've used to help clients lower, or even eliminate, taxes. ...
Episode 81: When Wealth Causes Problems
April 03, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBBeing wealthy can present unique opportunities and decisions that trigger unique problems to go along with them. While it's tempting to jump at an investment opportunity or purchase that comes your way, it's important to consider the potential consequences of pursuing it. To do that, you need to know what to look for. In this episode, we share examples of unintended consequences of making financial decisions and how a financial advisor can help you handle them.
Episode 80: Reacting To Volatility
March 28, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThe first quarter of 2022 has been tough. The volatility that we haven't seen for the better part of 2 years has returned, and with a vengeance. The reasons for that volatility are well-documented - inflation, conflict in Europe, lingering impacts of COVID, rising interest rates, and so on. Rather than focusing on the causes of volatility, in this episode, we focus on the actions you can take to adapt to it.
Episode 79: The Market's Important Lessons
March 20, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBPeriods of extreme market volatility, like we've seen recently, are scary. They create uncertainty, which leads to fear, which leads to emotional decision making. It's at these moments that you have to remember the lessons the market teaches us. In this episode, we share key lessons we've learned from key financial strategists and our own experiences when it comes to how the market responds in volatile times.
Episode 78: Shielding Yourself From Volatility
March 14, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThe start of 2022 has seen the return of major volatility in the market. Conflict in Europe, stifling inflation, rising energy prices, and the threat of COVID still lurking in the background have set the stage for major upheaval in financial centers around the world. So, we know volatility is out there. How do we protect ourselves from it. In this episode, we share some very specific as well as general ways to shield yourself from extreme volatility.
Episode 77: Beyond Investing
March 06, 2022 00:00 - 30 minutes - 20.6 MBManaging investments and cash flow will be perhaps your biggest challenge in retirement. However, don't neglect all the other decisions that must be made. Surviving retirement goes way beyond your investment portfolio. In this episode, we share our answers to complex questions about how to bridge the health insurance gap to Medicare, leaving money to grandchildren, and formalizing your charitable giving.
Episode 76: Should You Keep Life Insurance?
February 28, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBEvery financial strategy has a purpose. That's why it was created in the first place. What happens when a strategy that was once very helpful isn't necessary anymore? Life does change and it makes sense that the way you manage your money changes as well. In this episode, we share when you might not want to keep life insurance anymore and what happens when market losses scare you a lot more than they once did.
Episode 75: Protecting What You've Got
February 21, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBOnce you get to a certain age, your thoughts turn from accumulating wealth to preserving it and generating income from it. There are ways to do this inside your investment portfolio. However, the strategy that many people choose to use is insurance. In this episode, we share questions about the need for life insurance in retirement to protecting a lifetime of accumulated wealth.
Episode 74: Is Gold A Good Investment?...And Other Questions
February 14, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThe start of 2022 has seen some fireworks for the market. That's not surprising considering crushing inflation, the pending rise of interest rates, political turmoil at home and around the world, and continued shortages of good and labor pressing down on the economy. In times like this, it's not uncommon we get questions about investing in gold. Is it still a good hedge against rising inflation? We also look at changes you might consider in your portfolio to prepare for rising inter...
Episode 73: Are REITs A Good Investment?
January 24, 2022 00:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBOf all the investment opportunities you might consider, one that's probably high on your list is real estate. Owning a rent house, office building, condo, or even an entire city block has long been a way to generate income and wealth. However, being a landlord also comes with risks. Another way to enjoy the benefits of investing in real estate while limiting liability is a Real Estate Investment Trust, or REIT. In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of investing in REITs. We ...
Episode 72: Simple Tax Reduction Strategies
January 17, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThe most important job you and your assets will have in retirement is generating enough income to fund your desired lifestyle. While you're generating income, you'll also be generating taxes. While it might be impossible to completely eliminate taxes in retirement, there are simple strategies you can use to lower your tax burden. In this episode, we share a few of those strategies to help you keep more money in your pocket.
Episode 71: Back To Basics
January 10, 2022 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBShould you invest in cryptocurrency? How much gold should you own? Is it better to own rental properties or flip houses? Is options trading something you should be doing? These are all tempting questions to ask; however, they don't really address the real issue. Preparing for retirement comes down to one simple question - what do you need to do to avoid running out of money? In this episode, we share other simple questions you should be asking to make sure you are best prepared to r...
Episode 70: New Year, New Opportunities
January 04, 2022 00:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBWe are officially in 2022! A new year causes us to look back and see how far we’ve come. It also brings new possibilities and opportunities, and gives you another chance to take more steps toward your big, hairy, audacious goals. In this episode, we recap the big financial headlines that defined 2021, focus on the year ahead and what we might expect in 2022, and provide you inspiration to chase big goals and dreams!
Episode 69: The Christmas Episode
December 27, 2021 00:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBThe end of the year can be intense. You're preparing for the biggest holidays of the year. You're also thinking about the key projects you need to finish before the calendar changes to another year. A lot of the stress comes from dealing with financial matters. Decisions need to be made. Goals need to be set. And the clock is ticking. In this episode, we share 10 surefire tax tips to end the year, a business owner's checklist, and the outlook for inflation as we head into 2022.
Episode 68: Change Is Inevitable
December 06, 2021 00:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBThere is one incontrovertible truth about life and that is, it changes. Sometimes change is good, sometimes it's bad. Regardless, change forces us to be flexible and adaptable. This is certainly true for your financial plan. In this episode, we examine how a key retirement spending rule has changed, a new tax law that could change how you leave money to your family, how to handle a career change, and why a change of attitude may be exactly what you need to succeed.
Episode 67: Real Estate and Life Lessons
November 29, 2021 00:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBAs a wealth building asset, real estate checks many boxes. Income production. Appreciation in value. Potential hedge against stock market volatility. Tax shelter. Legacy planning tool. In this episode, we visit with special guest Carol Hefner, VP at Cedars Commercial Real Estate and Development in Oklahoma City, to discuss the benefits and pitfalls of investing in real estate. Carol also shares her insights and advice on how to work with your family to create wealth and pass on your...